Famous Scots from Edinburgh and the Lothians

John Knox c.1510 - 1572
Born in Haddington, he was a key figure in the Reformation in Scotland. Influenced by John Calvin, he often came in to conflict with Mary Queen of Scots who was Catholic. John Knox house on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is open to the public.
 
Mary Queen of Scots 1542 - 1587
Born in Linlithgow Palace, but brought up in France as a Catholic, she returned to Scotland on the death of her first husband King Francis II of France to reign in turbulent years. After two marriages which were political disasters and the appointment of an Italian First Minister, she fled to England where she was imprisoned by her cousin Elizabeth I. Mary was executed at Fotheringay Castle in 1587.

James I England/VI Scotland 1566 - 1625
James, the only son of Mary Queen of Scots was born in Edinburgh Castle. He was crowned in 1567 on the abdication of his mother. When Elizabeth I of England died childless in 1603, he became king of both countries, thus uniting the crown of both England and Scotland.

John Napier 1550 - 1617
Napier was born in Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh, which is now part of the University named after him. He was an eminent mathematician and theorised the concept of logarithms. He also invented war machines including the forerunner of the armoured tank and the submarine. He built Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh, which is now open to the public.

James Clerk-Maxwell 1831 - 1879
Son of a Dumfries landowner he made important discoveries in the field of science. He originated the notion of electro-magnetism and took the first

John Muir 1838 - 1914
Born in Dunbar, he was one of the most famous conservationists of his time. He influenced President Roosevelt to form America's first National Park. In Scotland, the John Muir Trust has reserves throughout the country, including areas in East Lothian, Knoydart, Skye and Sutherland.

Alexander Graham Bell 1847 - 1922
Born in South Charlotte Street in Edinburgh's New Town, he emigrated to the United States due to ill health. He initially planned to invent a machine to help the deaf to hear. It was in this research in Boston that he developed the telephone.

Robert Louis Stevenson 1850 - 1894
Born in Edinburgh, the son of a lighthouse engineer, he became a famous novelist. He wrote many classics including Treasure Island and Kidnapped. He was constantly dogged by ill health and for this reason moved to Samoa where he died in 1894.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 1859 - 1930
Conan Doyle began his career studying medicine, however, he is best known for his novels of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes of whom there is statue on Picardy Place, Edinburgh where Doyle was born.

Sir Harry Lauder 1870 - 1950
Born in Portobello, he became one of the most famous comics to come out of Scotland. He attracted many critics as his humour was seen to support a derogatory although benign stereotype of Scotland. He was at the top of his profession for 50 years, filling halls across the country.

Sean Connery 1930 - 
Sean Connery was born the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh. He left school early to work and had a variety of jobs including milkman, labourer, lifeguard and even a nude model for art classes. He drifted into acting and began performing on plays. His first TV appearance was in 1956 which led to a contract with MGM. He appeared in a few low-key films before being offer the role of "Bond" in the 1962 film "Dr No". The role of Bond was one he was to pursue for a number of years but eventually he wanted to try more varied roles. He continues to be one of Hollywood's leading actors with many award-winning performances throughout his career.